Preparation for the Sacraments takes place in meetings that are separate from Religious Education in the parish or school. These preparation meetings have a special focus on preparing to actually receive a Sacrament (not simply learning about them as we do in every grade of Religious Education in the parish or school).
We unite all our parish's children and parents in preparation when the parents discern their child is ready--no matter what grade they are in (after age 7 which follows canon law).
Parents meet in concurrent sessions to support their own journey as a disciple of Jesus Christ and to equip them to actively participate in their child's Sacramental preparation.
Preparation for the 3 Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist is a 1 1/2 year process.
Reconciliation (Penance): Children are usually prepared to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation in 1st or 2nd grade (after age 7, after child can read easily on their own). Reconciliation Preparation takes place on Sunday mornings (10:00-11:15am) and begins on January 20, 2024 (download brochure for the entire schedule).
Confirmation/First Holy Eucharist: Children must first be prepared and celebrate Reconciliation. Children usually prepare for Confirmation and First Holy Eucharist in 3rd grade. The Diocese of Spokane is a "restored order" diocese, which means children are prepared for and receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist at the same Mass. Confirmation/First Eucharist preparation takes place on Sunday mornings (10:00-11:15am) and begins on September 24, 2023 (download brochure for the entire schedule).
Baptism of Older Children: Children under the age of 7 can be prepared for Baptism alone and then join with the Sacramental Preparation programs for Reconciliation and then Confirmation/Holy Eucharist. Children over age 7 need to be prepared to receive all 3 Sacraments of Initiation at the same time (Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist) at our Easter Vigil Mass. Please contact Marie Bricher for more information and to schedule preparation in these circumstances: 509-928-3210, ext. 111, [email protected].
Confirmation of Older Children & Youth: Families moving to the Diocese from other areas may have children who need to "catch up" on the Sacrament of Confirmation. Please contact Marie Bricher to schedule preparation for your child: 509-928-3210, ext. 111, [email protected]
Using Signs of Grace: You Are Forgiven (Augustine Institute), our Sacramental Preparation program for Reconciliation unites all our parish’s children and their parents together. Meeting for 7 sessions and a Family Retreat, our program helps young Catholics understand who they are in God’s eyes, what sin is, and how we receive and offer forgiveness. The program carefully guides our children in the celebration of the Sacrament. The workbook and additional activity book provide numerous engaging activities.
Parent sessions are designed to achieve 3 goals: (1) provide support and guidance to parents in preparing their children to go to confession; (2) offer adult-level catechesis on the Sacrament for parent’s own faith growth; and (3) foster community among our parish’s parents.
Using Signs of Grace: You Are Loved (Augustine Institute), our Sacramental Preparation program for Confirmation and First Holy Eucharist unites all our parish’s children and their parents together. Meeting for 11 sessions and a Family Retreat (beginning in late September), our program helps young Catholics understand the significance of the Eucharist, the structure of Holy Mass, and the graces of both Sacraments. The workbook and additional activity book provide numerous engaging activities. The Celebration of Confirmation and First Holy Eucharist is tentatively scheduled for June 1, 2023 at 5:30pm with Bishop Daly
Parent sessions are designed to achieve 3 goals: (1) provide support and guidance to parents in preparing their children for the Sacraments; (2) offer adult-level catechesis on the Sacrament for parent’s own faith growth; and (3) foster community among our parish’s parents.
Bishop Daly celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation and First Holy Eucharist with our parish's children on Thursday, May 23, 2024.
What a special day in the life of these young Catholics! Let us pray for them, their families, and all our young people.